Probiotic administration enhanced antitrypanosomal effects of diminazene aceturate in dogs experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei.

OBJECTIVES: This study demonstrated the enhancing actions of probiotic on the antitrypanosomal effects of diminazene aceturate in dogs experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. METHODS: Twenty (20) apparently healthy adult local dogs of both sexes were randomly divided into five groups each containing four dogs. Group I were uninfected and untreated while groups III, IV and V were infected. Groups II, III, IV and V were administered multispecies probiotic (MSP) and/or diminazene aceturate (DA). Parasitaemia was determined, clinical signs recorded and blood collected for haematology. RESULTS: Results revealed T. b. brucei prepatent periods of 4.75 ± 0.25, (4-5) days and significant decrease of parasitaemia, clinical signs and mortality in groups IV and V compared to group III. Mortalities of 100% (group III), 25% (group IV) and 0% (group V) were recorded. Mean packed cells volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cells count showed no significant difference in groups I, II, and V, but were significantly decreased in groups III and IV post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of MSP to infected dogs enhanced the antitrypanosomal effects of diminazene aceturate.

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic effects of Sterospermum kunthianum (Cham-Holl) leaf extract against Ascaridia galli in experimentally infected broiler chickens.

This study was to assess the anthelminthic potential of Sterospermum kunthianum leaf extract against Ascaridia galli in experimentally infected broiler chickens. The extract and fractions were evaluated for in vitro inhibition and in vivo anthelmintic effects. Acute toxicity studies of extract revealed no sign of toxicity or death in birds at oral dose range of 1000-5000 and was considered safe. There was a concentration dependent decrease on inhibition of A. galli egg embryonation and deparasitization. At 100 mg/ml, albendazole (ALB) caused the highest inhibition of embryonation (195.3 ± 0.9) which was not significantly different from the decrease caused by crude methanol extract (CME) (188 ± 0.9), hexane fraction (HF) (177 ± 1.2) or ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) (168.3 ± 0.9). The highest inhibition rates (%) were 97, 94, 88 and 85 for ALB, CME, HF and EAF, respectively. The deparasitization obtained at day 21 in ALB (95.62%) treated birds was not significantly (P > 0.05) different from the 81.27% and 89.24% obtained from the crude methanol treated birds. The deparasitization caused by CME at 400 mg/kg (89.24%) was significantly higher than the one caused by EAF at the same dose (50.19%). Day 21 post treatment, significantly (P < 0.05) higher deparasitization was recorded for CME and HF at dosage of 400 mg/kg when compared to 200 mg/kg. Histopathology findings revealed necrosis of the mucosal gland and villi in chickens. In conclusion, the leaf extract and fractions S. kunthianum have been shown to possess anthelmintic activity.

Molasses, Antox® and EN-FLORAX® decreased antibody decay rate and enhanced response to a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus and Newcastle disease vaccine La Sota in ISA Brown chicks.

This study evaluated the effects of molasses, Antox® and EN-FLORAX® on antibody (Ab) decay and response to a very virulent IBD virus (vvIBDV) and ND vaccine La Sota (NDVLS) in ISA Brown chicks. Five groups, (A, B, C, D and E) of 50 chicks each were used for the study. Groups A, B and C were supplemented with molasses, Antox® and EN-FLORAX®, respectively, orally from 1 to 49 days, and inoculated with a vvIBDV at 28 days of age. Groups D, and E were positive, and negative controls, respectively. At 35 days of age, all groups were vaccinated with NDVLS. Antibody (Ab) titers to vvIBDV, and NDV, were determined by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA), and hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) tests, respectively. Results revealed significantly (P < .05) decreased Ab decay rates in supplemented groups (A, B, and C) compared to controls (D and E) up to day 28. There were significantly (P < .05) higher mean IBDV and ND HI Ab titers in supplemented groups compared to D with the highest in A up to day 49. Molasses, Antox®, and EN-FLORAX® decreased rate of Ab decay, elicited stronger Ab response against vvIBDV and production of protective NDVLS HI Ab titers.

Changes in serum biochemical parameters of experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected Nigerian indigenous dogs administered multispecies probiotic and diminazene aceturate.

Trypanosomosis is an infectious disease with great economic impact on livestock production. In this study, the effects of probiotic on serum biochemical changes of Nigerian indigenous dogs experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei were investigated. Twenty (20) healthy dogs of both sexes (6-10 kg body weight) following screening, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 4 dogs each. Dogs in group I (uninfected and untreated); group II (uninfected + multi species (Pet dophillus®) probiotic); group III (infected + multi species probiotic); group IV (infected + diaminazene aceturate); and group V (infected + probiotic + diminazene aceturate). Dogs were fed probiotic for 21 days before infection, and up to the last day post-infection (PI). Dogs in infected groups were inoculated intraperitonially with 2.5 × 106 trypanosomes on day 21 and diminazene aceturate was administered on day 5 post-infection (PI). Prepatent period and parasitaemia were determined. Blood was collected in plain sample bottles and serum harvested for serum biochemical analyses. Prepatent periods of T. brucei brucei were 4.75 ± 0.25 days (group III), 4.00 ± 0.41 days (group IV) and 4.25 ± 0.49 days (groups V); and parasitaemia was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in groups IV and V compared to group III post-treatment. Mean serum total protein was significantly increased in group III from day 28 up to the end of the study. No significant (P > 0.05) differences existed in the mean serum albumin and creatinine levels in all groups of dogs. The mean serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased significantly (P < 0.05) in group III post infection up to the end of the study. In conclusion, the multispecies probiotic enhanced the efficacy of diaminazene aceturate in mitigating the serum biochemical changes due to experimental T. brucei brucei infection in dogs.

Comparative effects of artemether and in combination with diminazene aceturate in the treatment of experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in Wistar rats.

This study assessed the effects of artemether and in combination with diminazene aceturate on parasitaemia, weight, haematology and pathology induced by experimentally Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in Wistar rats. Fifty adult rats comprising 25 each of males and females were assigned into 5 groups of ten rats (five males and five females). Rats in group I was uninfected while groups II-V were infected with T b brucei. Groups II were untreated; III administered diminazene aceturate once; IV and V administered artemether only and in combination with diminazene aceturate respectively for 5 days. Parasitaemia was determined daily, blood was collected for haematology and weight obtained every four days for a period of 32 days. At 24 days post-treatment, rats were humanely euthanized and organs harvested for pathological examination. Results revealed parasitaemia at day 4 post-infection, significant (p < 0.05) decrease in weight, erythrogram and leucogram in all infected rats. Following treatment, there was significant (p < 0.05) decrease in parasitaemia, increased weight gain and improved haematology. Pathological examination revealed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased gross and histopathological lesions in treated groups compared to group II. In conclusion, artemether and in combination with diminazene aceturate produced antitrypanosomal effects against experimental trypanosomosis.

Very virulent infectious bursal disease virus infection caused changes in cloacal temperature and clinical manifestations in pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and is transmitted to sentinel chickens.

In this study, changes in cloacal temperature and clinical manifestations due to very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) infection in pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and transmission to chickens were demonstrated. Thirty pigeons (3-6 weeks old) and thirty chickens (3 weeks old) divided into 4 groups (I-IV) were used for this study. Group I comprised of 10 uninoculated pigeons only; II comprised of 10 inoculated pigeons and 10 sentinel chickens; III comprised of 10 sentinel pigeons and 10 inoculated chickens, while IV comprised of 10 uninoculated chickens only. Pigeons in group II and chickens in group III were each inoculated with 0.20 mL (titre of 109.76CID50/mL) of vvIBDV (Nigerian strain). Cloacal temperature was monitored and clinical manifestations scored post-inoculation (pi). Results indicated significant (P < 0.05) pyrexia at 2 days pi (dpi), mild clinical signs and no mortality in inoculated pigeons. Significant (P < 0.05) pyrexia at 2-4 dpi, severe clinical signs and mortality (50%; 60%) were observed in inoculated and sentinel chickens. IBDV antigen and antibody were detected in pigeons and chickens. Pigeons showed response to vvIBDV infection thus suggesting susceptibility of pigeons to IBD. Sentinel chickens presented clinical manifestations of IBD and this suggests transmission from pigeons to chickens. This study therefore documents pyrexia and clinical manifestations due to vvIBDV infection in pigeons and successful transmission of the virus between pigeons and chickens.

Age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica).

In this study, the age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons were evaluated. Sixty apparently healthy domestic pigeons comprising 30 young (2-7 weeks of age) and 30 adult (>7 weeks of age) were sampled from local breeders. Blood was collected from each bird via brachial venipuncture and divided into 2 parts; one part dispensed into labeled tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as anticoagulant was processed for haematological analyses. The other part was dispensed into labeled plain tubes, serum harvested and processed for serum biochemical analyses. Results revealed overall packed cells volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HGB) and red blood cells (RBC) of 42.97 ± 4.53%, 13.15 ± 1.82 g/dL and 3.63 ± 0.50 × 1012/L respectively. All haematological parameters except mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lymphocyte count showed statistical (p < 0.05) differences between young and adult pigeons. Values recorded for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, serum/albumin ratio, urea, creatinine and urea/creatinine ratio were 4.32 ± 0.74 g/dL, 2.07 ± 0.30 g/dL, 2.25 ± 0.74 g/dL, 1.04 ± 0.43, 0.48 ± 0.33 mg/dL, 0.75 ± 0.52 mg/dL and 0.73 ± 0.51 respectively. Serum urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in adult (0.62 ± 0.40; 1.04 ± 0.60 mg/dL) compared to young (0.34 ± 0.13; 0.47 ± 0.15 mg/dL) pigeons. This study therefore demonstrated age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons.

Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) Are Susceptible to Infectious Bursal Disease: A Comparative Study of Their Hematological and Serum Biochemical Alterations.

The hematological and serum biochemical alterations following very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection in pigeons and chickens were evaluated in this study. Sixty IBDV seronegative birds comprising 30 (3-6 weeks old) pigeons and 30 (3 weeks old) chickens were randomly divided as follows: 10 uninoculated pigeons only, 10 inoculated pigeons + 10 sentinel chickens, 10 inoculated chickens + 10 sentinel pigeons, and 10 uninoculated chickens. Inoculated birds were administered 0.20 ml of inoculum containing very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV). Blood was collected postinoculation/exposure (pi/pe) and processed for hematology and biochemistry. The results revealed significantly (P < 0.05) increased packed cell volume, decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration (MCHC) in inoculated and sentinel chickens. Total leukocyte count (TLC), heterophil, and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio were increased from 3 dpi/dpe in inoculated pigeons and from 3 to 14 dpi/dpe in inoculated and sentinel chickens. At 10 and 14 dpi/dpe, there was significantly (P < 0.05) increased serum total protein and globulin concentrations and decreased albumin/globulin ratio in pigeons and chickens. Serum urea concentration showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in inoculated and sentinel chickens at 3 and 4 dpi/dpe. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on hematological and serum biochemical alterations due to vvIBDV infection in pigeons.

Antox® and Bactofort® mitigated the haematological alterations induced by a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus in chicks.

The study investigated the mitigating effects of two probiotics on blood parameters of ISA Brown chicks inoculated with a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV). Two hundred chicks were assigned into four groups of 50 birds each. Groups A and B were administered Antox® in water and Bactofort® in feed daily from 1 to 42 days of age and inoculated with a vvIBDV at 28 days and C and D served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Blood samples were examined for changes in packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), total white blood cell (TWBC), heterophil and lymphocyte counts seven days post inoculation. The PCV between groups A and C differed (P < 0.05) and in group B it was higher (P < 0.05) than that of group C. The Hb concentration between groups A, B and C differed (P < 0.05). There was a difference (P < 0.05) in RBC counts between groups A, B, C. Differences in TWBC between group A and C were significant (P < 0.05) and TWBC in group B was higher (P < 0.05) than that of group C. There was a significant difference in heterophil (P < 0.05) and lymphocyte (P < 0.05) count between group A and C, and B and C. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in positive control compared to groups A, B, C. Antox® and Bactofort® mitigated the deleterious effects of vvIBDV on blood parameters and can assist in cases of IBD outbreak.

Prevalence of Leptospira interrogans in wild rats (Rattus norvegicus and Cricetomys gambianus) in Zaria, Nigeria.

Leptospirosis is a neglected disease of zoonotic importance and rodents have a known role in epidemiology of Leptospira globally. Paucity of information on the prevalence of leptospirosis in wild rats used as games in Zaria, Nigeria informed the study. The study aimed to detect Leptospira interrogans in wild rats in Zaria, Nigeria. A total of 71 wild rats comprising 57 Rattus norvegicus and 14 Cricetomys gambianus were sampled over a period of 3 months (April-June 2019). Fisher exact test was used with confidence interval set at 0.05 to ascertain associations between positive cases and species. Blood was collected from 56 rats and harvested sera screened for Leptospira interrogans antibody using rat IgG competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Following humane euthanasia of rats, 71 samples (62 kidney tissues and 9 urine samples) were collected in sterile labeled tubes and cultured using Ellinghausen Mc-cullough Johnson Harris (EMJH) enrichment and basal medium. Results indicated over all Leptospira spp antibody detection of 73.2 % (41/56) in Rattus norvegicus (60.7 %) and Cricetomys gambianus (12.5 %). No significant difference (P > 0.05) existed for the prevalence of Leptospira interrogans antibody in the species of wild rats. Over all occurrence of Leptospira interrogans were 74.2 % (46/62) in kidneys and 55.6 % (5/9) in urine samples. Based on species of rats, Rattus norvegicus recorded prevalence of 76.9 % (40/52) and 40.0 % (2/5) in kidney and urine samples respectively. Prevalence of 60.0 % (6/10) and 75.0 % (3/4) in kidney and urine samples respectively were recorded for Cricetomys gambianus. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in the prevalence of Leptospira interrogans in kidney samples of both wild rats. These species of rats could be reservoirs of Leptospira interrogans. The result showed high prevalence of Leptospira spp in the wild rats and the possibility of domestic animals and humans contracting the disease. This study is the first documentation of evidence of pathogenic Leptospira species in wildlife used as games in Zaria, Nigeria.

Research Note: Detection of infectious bursal disease virus antibodies in free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria.

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is an immunosuppressive pathogen of poultry causing great economic losses to the poultry industry. In this study, the IBDV antibodies were detected in captured free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty free-living wild birds, comprising 30 birds each of 5 different species, were sampled over a period of 9 months. Blood samples were collected from each bird, and harvested sera were tested for IBDV antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results indicated IBDV seroprevalences in speckled pigeon (6.67%) and cattle egret (3.33%). In conclusion, the detection of IBDV antibodies in free-living wild birds in this study is indicative of previous natural exposure of these birds to the virus. These species of wild birds could therefore serve as carriers of these viruses and, consequently, transmit these viruses to chickens.